8 Causes of low menstrual blood (is it still normal or not?)

The menstrual pattern experienced by each woman is not the same. Some women may experience long menstrual cycles, while others are relatively short. Likewise with the blood volume, some have a smooth and heavy flow, but some have a low menstrual blood volume.

Regardless of the characteristics of menstruation you experience, normally it will always be the same or not change every month. So, if the menstrual period suddenly feels awkward because the blood volume is not as high as usual, what is the cause? Listen below, yes.

What causes low menstrual blood?

Do not underestimate the changes that occur in your menstrual cycle, including menstrual blood flow that is not as much as usual (hypomenorrhea) and even shortens your menstrual days.

Described by dr. Lina Akopians, Ph.D., a specialist in reproductive endocrinology at Southern California Reproductive Center, said that menstrual periods that feel lighter because of the low volume of blood that comes out can be caused by hormonal or structural problems in your organs.

Here are some things that trigger a little menstrual blood:

1. The effects of stress

Many people associate stress with changes in the menstrual cycle. In fact, stress can trigger the presence of the hormone cortisol which then inhibits the work of hormones in the body, one of which is the hormone estrogen which plays a role in the ovulation cycle.

The decrease in estrogen levels is what makes menstrual volume slightly or even temporarily delayed. After the stress goes away, menstruation usually returns to normal.

2. The thyroid gland is overactive

Too much thyroid hormone production (hyperthyroidism) can be bad for your heart, muscles, and blood pressure. On the other hand, this condition can affect the smoothness of your period. As a result, menstrual blood flow is less than usual.

3. PCOS

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a reproductive disorder caused by an imbalance of hormones in the female body. Women with PCOS usually have imbalanced levels of sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone), excess androgens (male sex hormones), and small cysts on their ovaries.

All of these conditions affect the normal ovulation process, making menstrual flow irregular and irregular. Symptoms can include little or no menstrual bleeding for some time.

4. Pregnancy

Women who are pregnant should not experience menstruation. However, you may experience spotting, which is often mistaken for small amounts of menstrual blood. Though this is not menstrual blood, but an early sign of pregnancy called implantation bleeding.

Implantation bleeding is bleeding that occurs when a fertilized egg sticks to the lining of the uterine wall for 6-12 days after conception. In addition, blood spots can also indicate an ectopic pregnancy or pregnancy outside the womb.

5. Use of contraceptives

According to dr. Alyssa Dweck, a pregnancy and gynecology specialist and author of the book The Complete A to Z for Your V, said that using contraceptives can shorten your menstrual days because the volume of menstrual blood produced is relatively less.

Whether in the form of drinking pills or spiral birth control, contraceptives have the risk of disrupting hormonal stability in the body. Some women don't even have periods at all. If you feel disturbed, consult a doctor immediately.

Your doctor may recommend non-hormonal contraceptives such as a condom or copper-coated IUD. Make sure you ask your doctor or midwife first for the best advice for your health condition.

6. Currently breastfeeding

In fact, breastfeeding can make ovulation abnormal, which can have a slight impact on menstrual blood volume, or even temporarily delay menstruation. If you breastfeed exclusively, your first menstrual period will only occur 6 months after giving birth. Meanwhile, if not breastfeeding, menstruation can come sooner in 6-8 weeks after giving birth.

The reason is that during breastfeeding, the body will produce the hormones prolactin, alpha-lactalbumin, and lactose synthesis, which can suppress the reproductive hormones that trigger ovulation. The normal cycle will only return after the breastfeeding period is over.

7. Aging

The factor of increasing age is another reason why menstrual blood flow decreases, especially if you have entered the premenopausal period. Premenopause is the transition period before menopause, where your body undergoes slow hormonal changes.

It usually occurs at the age of 40-50 years and takes up to about 4-6 years before you finally go through menopause. Don't worry if you suddenly experience a menstrual blood volume that isn't as much as usual or even if you don't have a period, this is still normal. You can consult a doctor for more information.

8. Consumption of drugs

Not only contraceptives, taking medicines can also affect your menstruation because they contain chemicals in them. For example NSAIDs (Advil, Naprosyn, Ibuprofen, etc.), antidepressants, and steroids.